Associated Press
NASCAR denied Friday that a former official, now suing for racial discrimination and sexual harassment, ever complained to her superiors about such problems.
The former employee often referred to herself with racial stereotypes and was repeatedly reprimanded for tardiness and other behavioral issues, NASCAR said. In addition, NASCAR said the firing of Mauricia Grant last October was legitimate and not an act of discrimination or retaliation.
The claims were part of a 29-page document filed Friday in response to Grant’s $225 million lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
IRL TV
INDIANAPOLIS ó The Indianapolis 500 and four other IndyCar Series races will be televised by ABC Sports at least through 2012 in a contract extension announced by the Indy Racing League.
Also, the Versus cable channel, already the home of the NHL, Davis Cup and Tour de France, will carry at least 13 IndyCar races annually for the next 10 years.
GOLF
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich.ó The scouting report on Oakland Hills was that length wouldn’t mean much, that the tournament would be won by someone who hit it straight and made pars.
So what in the name of John Daly is J.B. Holmes doing atop the leaderboard?
Holmes hit several mammoth bombs off the tees ó “I hit a couple out there that might have got close to 400 today,” he said ó but sidestepped trouble to shoot a 2-under 68 for a one-shot lead late in Friday’s second round.
– CHARLESTON, S.C. ó The LPGA’s Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika Sorenstam won’t return to Charleston next year.
Tournament organizers announced Friday they couldn’t obtain the sponsorships needed to continue the tournament, which was contracted for two more years at RiverTowne Country Club.
Ginn Companies chairman Bobby Ginn says a faltering economy dried up corporate spending that could have kept the tournament afloat.
– PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. ó Orville Moody, the U.S. Army veteran who won the 1969 U.S. Open for his only PGA Tour title, died Friday. He was 74.
COLLEGE HOOPS
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. ó Indiana University will not request a second hearing in front of the NCAA infractions committee, but will send a written response to the NCAA’s newest allegation of failing to monitor the men’s basketball program.
The allegation is the latest twist in a phone-call scandal involving former coach Kelvin Sampson that has rocked the Hoosiers’ basketball program.
CLEMSON
CLEMSON, S.C. ó Clemson’s athletic department reported one positive drug test for cocaine, and four for marijuana during the year ending June 30.
The department announced its drug testing results Friday. The schools says it conducted 654 tests on athletes for recreational drugs from July 1, 2007 through this past June. Clemson also conducted 70 tests for steroid use. Officials said none returned positive.
NBA
MEMPHIS, Tenn. ó The Memphis Grizzlies signed restricted free-agent forward Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks to an offer sheet.
The 6-foot-9, 235-pound Smith, who was drafted in the first round in 2004, averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in helping the Hawks make the playoffs last season.
NFL
PHILADELPHIA ó Brian Westbrook and the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a new contract Friday.
The deal is worth $21 million over three years, including $13 million guaranteed the next two seasons.